The Repentance Tower is a very rare example of a mid-16th century watch tower standing on Trailtrow Hill. Built in 1565 by John Maxwell, the tower takes its name from an inscription Repentance carved on the stonework above the entrance door.

The watch tower remained with the Maxwells until in around 1627 the sixth Lord Herries sold Hoddam Castle and the tower to Sir Richard Murray of Cockpool (Comlongan) Castle. The barony and castle were purchased in 1690 by John Sharpe and remained with that family until 1878.

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1565
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

dtads (8 months ago)
Nice wee trek up to this tower pity it's locked. Interesting history and great view over to the castle. Worth a wee visit if in the area.
giles dyche (15 months ago)
An interesting tower/landmark that is a bit of a ramble uphill to reach but well worth it for the views across the Solway Firth to the Lake District. There’s an information board with a brief history of the place but no entry to the tower itself. Parking is roadside only and it definitely isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Linda Henderson (2 years ago)
Worth the great hike upthe hill!
Gail Smallman (3 years ago)
I was lead to believe the tower was open to explore but it was padlocked. Great views after that walk up that big hill
Tracy Knight (4 years ago)
Beautiful scenery steeped in history View of the castle below & the old church
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.